Update for April 28 – May 4, 2015
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News and Views
Free dining offer released for early fall season | 30 percent room-only discount offered for fall season | Mother's Day meals offered at Walt Disney's Swan and Dolphin's Resort | Final Expedition Everest Challenge runs on May 3 | Typhoon Lagoon to host Teen Beach 2 Beach Party | 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide April 24 to 26 | Views around the World | This and that… | Crowd Update
Free dining offer released for early fall season
It seems that the rumors I heard flying around last week are true: Disney released a free dining offer for the late summer/early fall season on Monday, April 27. This time, there was no pre-sale for Visa cardholders, and the offer is available to the general public immediately.
The announcement specifically pointed out that room availability for these rates are extremely limited, and based on experiences I've read around numerous sites and fan groups (and even my own travel agent), getting through to make reservatins is a long process, as well. In addition, there are quite a few rules and restrictions, so it is important to read through everything before trying to make reservations and have a couple of options ready to go.
Here are the offer details:
- Get a free dining plan when booking a non-discounted 6-night/7-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and ticket with either a Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More option.
- Offer is valid for arrivals most nights from August 28 to October 2, October 25–31, November 8–19, and December 15–21.
- The booking window is now through July 10, 2015.
- Guests receive the Disney Dining Plan if they stay at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, Disney Deluxe Resorts, or a Disney Moderate Resorts.
- Guests receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan if they stay at select Disney Value Resorts.
- The offer excludes:
- The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard View Rooms, campsites, 3-bedroom villas
- Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort (between October 25 and December 21).
- Dining plans exclude alcohol and gratuities.
- Children ages 3 through 9 must order from the children's menu.
To check for availability, visit either the Walt Disney World official webpage, call a Walt Disney World vacation specialist at (407) 827-7181 or contact a travel agent.
Up to a 30 percent room-only discount offered for fall season
For those who either choose not to or cannot use the free dining package, Disney also announced a discount of up to a 30 percent off on rooms for the late summer/early fall.
Here are the offer details:
- Offer is valid August 15 through October 3, 2015
- The booking window is now through August 7, 2015
- A 30 percent discount applies to the following Deluxe Villas and Resorts:
- Disney's BoardWalk Villas
- Disney's Old Key West Resort
- Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Standard/Pool View
- Disney's BoardWalk Inn
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Yacht Club Resort
- A 25 percent discount applies to the following Moderate Resorts:
- Disney Port Orleans – Riverside (August 15–27 only)
- Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort - The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (August 15 to October 3).
- A 20 percent discount applies to the following:
- ?Deluxe resorts:
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Savanna View/Club Level Rooms
- Disney's Beach Club Villas
- The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Disney's Beach Club Resort
- Disney's Contemporary Resort.
- Moderate resorts:
- Disney Port Orleans – Riverside (August 28 to October 3)
- Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (August 15 to October 3)
- Value resorts:
- Disney's All-Star Music Resort
- Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
- Disney's Pop Century Resort
- ?Deluxe resorts:
- A 15 percent discount applies to the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
To check for availability, visit either the Walt Disney World official webpage, call a Walt Disney World vacation specialist at (407) 827-7181, or contact a travel agent.
Mother's Day meals offered at Walt Disney's Swan and Dolphin's Resort
Heading down to the Walt Disney World Resort on Mother's Day? The restaurants at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resorts invite families to come celebrate at their restaurants.
At the Garden Grove, moms and their families can enjoy Disney character interactions under a whimsical, 25-foot oak tree centerpiece. From 7:00 to 10 a.m., the special Mother's Day breakfast menu includes hand-crafted bacon, open-faced crab sandwiches, potato gratin Dauphinoise, and yogurt mousse parfaits. Additionally, a special Mother's Day brunch menu, served from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., features herb-crusted prime rib, quiche, and green been almandine. Prices for the breakfast and brunch options are $35.99 for adults, $19.99 for children (ages 3–9) and free for kids under 3. For more information, visit reservations call (407) 934-1618. A breakfast and brunch menu are also available online.
Meanwhile, over at Todd English's bluezoo, families can enjoy fresh seafood and coastal cuisines from around the world, plus receive a $25 gift certificate and a rose for every two adult entrees purchased on Mother's Day. To make reservations, call (407) 934-1111. For more information, visit the restaurant's official website.
Star Wars and Disney Infinity among additions coming to the Disney Dream
This fall, young fans of the Star Wars universe and Disney Infinity aboard Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream can immerse themselves in those fictional worlds thanks to some new renovations. Starting on October 26, these new adventures are just a few of the new entertainment features the cruise ship plan to add to enhance passengers' voyage.
Disney Parks Blog announced the new arrivals last week, which include:
- Part of the ship's Oceaneer's Club transforms into the famous Millenium Falcon, where children can pilot the spaceship, fight the Dark Side in a classic battle. Kids can also enjoy crafts, games and activities and watch the animated series Star Wars Rebels. A Jedi Training Academy experience (similar to the one at Disney's Hollywood Studios) will also be offered for the younger passengers, who will be trained in light saber skills and then battle the infamous Darth Vader.
- Over on the other side of the Oceaneer's Club, the Disney Infinity Toy Box video game comes to life for children on board the Disney Dream. The interactive play area allows visitors to play together on screen. Plus, a full set of of the Disney Infinity characters will be on display and ready for video game playing. Any child who plays the video game has a chance to unlock exclusive content for their own game at home!
- Vanellope's Sweets & Treats: Disney Dream passengers can satisfy their sweet tooth by visiting a candy and treat shop inspired by the animated feature Wreck-It-Ralph. Visitors can see Vanellope's race car, King Candy's throne, gas pump-style gumball machines, and more.
- Another popular Walt Disney World experience, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, also debuts on the Disney Dream this fall. Whether a child (ages 3 to 12) wants to be transformed into a princess or a pirate, a godmother-in-training awaits them to make dreams come true.
- Lastly, an adult-only experience comes to the Disney Dream. Satellite Falls is a circular splash pool with a “rain curtain” for a refreshing swim on the lower deck, while on the upper deck, adults can relax in the shade under a canopy.
Final Expedition Everest Challenge runs on May 3
This Saturday, May 3, Disney's Animal Kingdom hosts the final Expedition Everest Challenge. This (3.1-mile) 5-kilometer race stands out from others because it runs through the theme park during the event:
- The race course goes through the theme park at night
- Runners not only participate in the race, but also navigate an obstacle course and scavenger hunt where clues must be solved to advance on the course
- Racers can pair up and work together as a team to complete the challenges
- Race finishers not only receive a special medal, but also attend a special post-race party that includes access to rides such as Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids and Dinosaur.
Typhoon Lagoon to host Teen Beach 2 Beach Party
Typhoon Lagoon has a beach party planned from May 22 through July 5 to celebrate the upcoming release of Teen Beach 2 on the Disney Channel later this summer.
The party, which will be held at various times each day, includes “bikers” and “surfers” who dance and play beach-themed games with guests as a DJ spins remixes of retro tunes. Guests will take over Typhoon Lagoon's main beach area and participate in relays on the sand, hula hoop spinning, water balloon and beach ball tossing, and groovy dance moves.
2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Guide April 24 to 26
It doesn't seem possible that the 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is already is preparing for its eighth weekend, but time flies when you're having fun, right?
For the first time ever, Chip 'n' Dale appear as topiaries with the rest of the Disney gang. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The annual event showcases incredible topiary creations sculpted to look like classic Disney characters, and gardens filled with flowers of every color of the rainbow. Guests can also attend live demonstrations on how to grow their own gardens and sample a variety of international cuisine to throughout the 75-day festival.
Each weekend, Epcot presents special events that include music, seminars, tours and more. Make sure to check the guide below and/or pick one up at the parks to get information on how to make reservations. We'll have an event guide updated each week for MousePlanet readers.
Here's what you can expect for Week #9 of the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival:
| Friday, May 1 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Rob Williams, Disney horiticulturalist | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| Jessi Bloom, landscape designer and horticulturalist | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Florida Fresh Weekend Experiences | 10:00 – 5:00 | Festival Center |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Taylor Dane | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Saturday, May 2 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Arthur Katz, orchid specialist | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| David Mizejewski, TV personality and National Wildlife Federation naturalist | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Taylor Dane | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
| Sunday, May 3 | ||
| Gardens of the World Tour: A three-hour tour of special displays and international Gardens. | 9:00 – noon | Epcot |
| Eric Schmidt of Harry P. Leu Gardens | 11:00, 2:00 | Greenhouse Stage |
| David Mizejewski, TV personality and National Wildlife Federation naturalist | Noon, 3:00 | Fresh Epcot Stage |
| “Planting Pointers”: join experts as they present great gardening ideas for everyone. | 1:00, 4:00 | University of Florida Stage |
| English Tea Garden Tour | 1:00, 3:45, 6:15 | Tea Caddy |
| Garden Rocks Concert Series: Taylor Dane | 5:30, 6:45, 8:00 | American Gardens Theater |
Views around the World
Magic Kingdom
Castle tower under construction in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. This will be used for entertainment lighting and sound. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Beyond the trees, Adventureland Veranda is under renovation. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Sword in the Stone is again being pulled out, but not by the help of Merlin, but rather the Royal Majesty Makers. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
With Spring Break pretty much over, parts of the central hub of the Magic Kingdom are back under construction as part of the expansion project. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom's Main Street Cinema came out from under the scaffolds and tarps earlier this month and now renovations have begun next door. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Magic Kingdom's hub expansion project continues on the former site of the Rose Garden. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
The 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival enters its final month. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The monorail glides by Spaceship Earth during the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which ends on May 17. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Chip and Dale don't mind playing in the dark during the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Donald Duck is tending his own vegetable garden during the 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival as it enters its final month. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Little change seems to have occurred in front of the Chinese Theater. It still seems to have the footprint from when the hat was in place. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Chinese Theater received considerable makeover when a patina effect was reapplied to the copper roof of the Chinese Theater. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
This area, originally thought to be an outdoor recreational area, is actually slated to serve as an outdoor barbecue, complete with grills for guests to use. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
The Kiki Tikis play area at the pool has finally opened. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Behind the Kiki Tikis play area pool, the rock area has received a casual waterfall cascade. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
At the entrance, the lagoon has re-emerged with some bubbling rock, but no fountain as before. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
This and that…
…Trader Sam's Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort officially opened yesterday, April 27. Waits can be up to two hours to get in at peak times, so get there early if you want to experience the resort's newest lounge.
…As we previously reported, Dockside Margarita's at Downtown Disney opened last week, as scheduled.
…Fans of Fort Wilderness and the Hoop De Doo Musical Review can purchase a vintage-style souvenir T-shirt for a limited time. These shirts are only available until next Sunday (May 3), so make sure to get one quick before they're gone.
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Crowd Forecast
Join Our Networks
MousePlanet
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Show – March 4 to May 17.
- 2015 Epcot Garden Rocks Concert Series – March 6 to May 17.
- 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Hallowen Party – September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31; November 1
- 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2015
- Expedition Everest Challenge – May 1–2. The event, which was announced as being the final time it was being offered, sold out within minutes of registration opening.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Most events are sold out.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
- Jungle Cruise – closed April 13 through May 8 for refurbishment
- it's a small world – closed April 14–17 for refurbishment
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 27–30 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed May 11 through September 25 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed July 6 through November 20 for refurbishment
- Dream Along with Mickey – closed July 19 through August 22 for refurbishment
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–10 for refurbishment.
- Flame Tree Barbecue – closed through April 22 for refurbishment.
- Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show – closed April 20–25 for refurbishment
- Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage – closed June 12–14 for refurbishment
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7–10 for refurbishment
Resorts
- Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby and pool area ongoing.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
- Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
- Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island are temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Save Up to 30 percent with room discount Summer travelers looking to save money on Walt Disney World trip have some new options with last week's new room discount announcement Visitors traveling between June 16 and August 27, 2015 can save between 15 percent and 30 percent off regular room rates with this promotion. Room inventory is limited and this promotion only lasts until June 12 and certain exclusions apply (see below). To make reservations, contact your travel agent or visit the official Walt Disney World website. June 16 – August 27, 2015 Save 30%
Save 20%
Weekdays June 16 – August 9, 2015 Save 20%
Save 15%
Weekends August 10-27, 2015 Save 25%
Save 20%
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
|---|---|
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5″ x 7″ character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5″ x 7″ character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Marie here.
